"Help Us Build Our Dream Retirement Home"

The Barker Residence
Most of us dream of being in a situation where we might be able to design and build a dream home to retire in.  "Let's see - I want it to have a Great Room with a real Fireplace... and big, big windows that let in lots of light... I want a wonderful, modern kitchen with a center island cooking area... oh, and an area to do my crafting."  These are examples of the image that many of us dream of.  Dozens of families with dreams have turned to T. W. Beck Architects, p.c., to help them design and build their 'on-of-a-kind' retirement home.

The Barker Family was planning on retiring and moving to Colorado in 2005.  They met with Thomas W. Beck, AIA and began to lay out their plans and goals.  George wanted an office and a workshop.  His wife wanted a grand kitchen and a massive walk-in pantry.  They both agreed that they wanted multiple outside decks - to capture morning or afternoon or evening peaceful hours spent reading or simply dozing.  For family visits - the Barkers decided on two master bedrooms and a third guest bedroom.

One of the challenges often presented to this architect is how to design and incorporate a new structure into a mountain setting - often with demanding slopes or varying terrain.  This was certainly the case with the Barker residence.  This spectacular, three-level home sits literally on the side of a mountain.  The three-level western red cedar siding and beam structure is a perfect complement to the property and the adjacent area.  Dozen of Pella windows and window-doors allow the Barkers to experience the beauty and sunlight found in northern Colorado.

The Barkers met with Thomas W. Beck, AIA and they had 'one of those meeting' in which clients begin to use words to share a dream for their future.  That dream is now a home - The Barker home is a reality.  When you are ready to start planning --- call on T. W. Beck Architects.

Just off Highway 7, as it climbs out of Estes Park towards Lily Lake, is the spectacular residence which was born out of Catherine Krumme’s vision for a Southwest Territorial style home to occupy the 35-acre mountain tract owned by her family.  Beck Architects worked with Catherine to bring her vision to life by blending styles to create a home that architect, Thomas Beck, refers to as Mountain Territorial Style, which blends beautifully with its Rocky Mountain setting.

With basic elements of a southwest-style compound, this design incorporates the warmth and openness of traditional mountain residences and, as specified by Catherine, “lots of curves” to create a unique, exciting but very livable space.  Taking cues from its surroundings the home not only adopts the colors of the mountains but mimics their shape and is “built of the hill, not on the hill,” as Frank Lloyd Wright would say.  As do the hills, the structure gains elevation as a tower rises through its two floors to a third-story art studio -- reminiscent of a territorial lookout and topping out at thirty feet.  The home is situated to capture the 270-degree views, from which it was inspired, through the window walls of the great room.

The exterior of the home is stucco, accented with a base of Robinson stone – a thin veneer of genuine stone – and curved, metal, standing seam or flat membrane roofs.  Southwest-style transoms crown the Sierra Pacific windows.  A dramatic entry invites visitors into a welcoming foyer that sets the mountain territorial tone and opens to the three-story tower’s rotunda.  A curved staircase on the outside wall of the rotunda leads to the main level.  Water trickles down the inside rail of the staircase and a copper “stepped” waterfall to a small pool at each floor level.  As the focal entry element, the tower was incorporated into the home to follow the existing contours of the hill, further making the structure one with its environment.    

The Krumme residence features stained and stamped concrete floors on the 1586 square-foot lower level which includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a rec room that opens to a patio.  The 756 square-foot, 2 ½ car garage is accessible from the lower level. 

A curved, bamboo wood staircase leads to the 2448 square-foot main level which includes a great room, dining area, kitchen, powder room, master bedroom and bath, office area and laundry room.  Floors are of bamboo and slate.  Various interior features, including an adobe fireplace in the master bedroom, reinforce the southwestern influence.  Gluelam arched trusses with lower chord, steel tie rods span the great room ceiling.  Sixteen feet of Sierra Pacific sliding doors (four four-foot doors) open the dining room to a covered flagstone patio, enclosed and gated with iron fencing.  Decks off the great room and kitchen are built of Choicedeck recycled “lumber” and maintain the Mountain Territorial Style with log post and iron railing.

A second curved staircase in the rotunda, with a waterfall railing, leads to the 314 square-foot, third-floor artist’s studio at the top of the tower, affording breathtaking 360 degree views.  Throughout the home, in and out, the contours of the terrain are reflected in curved walls, ceilings, staircases, wood trim -- even doors -- the arched roof of the entryway and the tower itself.

A separate, detached, three-car, Mountain Style carriage house anchors the setting; sitting just below the grade of the lower floor of the main home it complements the residence but blocks none of its views.  A studio apartment above the carriage house garage provides separate housing for family members or guests.

 The Krummes brought their vision to T.W. Beck Architects as repeat customers, having worked with Beck previously on a major expansion and rebuild of a mountain home on an adjacent 35-acre tract.  Although an entirely different style, their vision and needs have yet again been beautifully interpreted and brought to life in this truly unique and magnificent home.     

Built by Westover Construction
Interior Design by Mary Dubbling

Additional photos:

Mountain Setting Shapes this Estes Park Custom Home: The Schlitt Residence

Lee and Linda Schlitt live part-time in Estes Park, Colorado and part time in California.  But in anticipation of retirement from careers as a nuclear physicist and an accountant, they’ve opted for a Rocky Mountain home and lifestyle in Estes Park.  They chose two lots in Rockwood Estates off Fish Creek Road, a development of luxury mountain homes.  The five-acre tract provides open space for wildlife, and privacy for the Schlitts in a serene mountain setting. 

The Schlitts had given considerable effort to planning their mountain dream home and knew what they wanted, to the point of providing three-dimensional sketches.  They came to T.W. Beck Architects with a concept that involved the generous use of logs and timbers and that mimics the geometry of the mountains. Although Estes Park architect Thomas Beck refers to the home’s style as “Mountain Craftsman” he says it’s difficult to put a tag on this unique design. 

At the heart of the structure is a huge timber, topped by timber trusses which open like a log umbrella to support the vaulted, great room ceiling.  The shape sets the tone for the home -- curved walls and archways create a natural feel and flow throughout the interior.  The fireplace, with a gently rounded chimney face rises to the ceiling and adds ambiance and warmth to the great room.  In-floor heat, a choice of green architects like Beck, complements the home’s quiet, natural environment.  Throughout the home logs and timbers frame doorways and create natural “corners” and easy transition between rooms. 

In addition to the dramatic great room, the main floor includes a comfortable master suite with a fireplace and access to a private patio.  The dining room is adjacent to the great room and leads to a cozy family room from which a large stamped, colored, concrete patio is accessed.  The family room includes a breakfast nook, which is built into a bowed window; it is open to the kitchen but separated by a raised bar with log trim.  A guest bedroom and bath, that is also accessible from the living room, complete the main level living area.  A large mud-and-laundry room plus a separate mechanical room are adjacent to the 575 square foot, three-car garage and 472 square foot workshop. 

A curved stairway, trimmed with tiles and leading to the second floor, is anchored by the same giant timber that supports the great room trusses.  The upper level includes another bedroom and bath plus a solarium and study.  An oak spiral staircase leads to a third level, tower loft with vaulted ceiling and log trusses which perpetuate the timber frame design.  With 360 degrees of windows and topping out at thirty feet above ground level the tower is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views even if weather sets in.  The total finished interior area of the main and upper levels plus loft totals 3316 square feet.  

Although the couple considered full log walls they opted for a sheetrock interior which complements the natural light that enters through a multitude of Prairie-style, Sierra Pacific windows and framed glass, custom-shaped to complement the curves, shapes and flow of the rooms.  And the abundant day lighting can help to reduce energy costs.  With peeled logs, tongue-and-groove cedar siding and moss rock the exterior of the home creates a sustainable design that effortlessly merges with its surroundings.  Multiple circular, peaked roofs of varied heights create a silhouette that emulates surrounding mountain ranges.

Drawing on decades of experience T.W. Beck Architects successfully interpreted the vision of Lee and Linda Schlitt to create a truly unique Rocky Mountain home that fits perfectly into its mountain setting.  The Schlitt’s home was built by Westover Construction of Estes Park.

Currently living just outside Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Schultz, owners of a printing service and supply company, sought out T.W. Beck Architects to design their vacation/retirement home in Estes Park, Colorado’s Grey Fox Estates.  Inspired by the rock outcroppings and treed setting of the 2 ½ acre lot in a development of luxury mountain homes, Thomas Beck created a “log” timber frame design that provides an effortless flow between indoors and out.  The concept involves the generous use of wood and logs, as requested by the Schultz’s, and evolved to incorporate even tree-like elements into this Rocky Mountain home. 

The 5089 square foot structure, built by Westover Construction includes a main and upper level.  The large, covered, front porch features giant post and beam supports and trusses along with a copper roof.  The main level includes the great room, dining area, kitchen, powder room and a magnificent master suite.  A walk-through laundry room leads to the 1162 square foot garage that can accommodate four cars, parked two deep.    

A special feature of the house, requested by the owners, is the use of old, weathered barn wood siding on the vaulted ceilings of the great room and exterior.  Spruce logs, some with bark still intact, serve as ceiling beams and trusses.  The living area features a moss-rock fireplace with a massive half-log mantle.  Huge supporting timbers, with bark, create the impression that the ceiling of the two-story great room space must surely be a canopy of treetops.  Natural sandstone floors lead through French doors onto the patio, which blends into a large rock outcropping that provides privacy for the patio.  These natural elements incorporate a sustainable design that complements the mountain architecture.      

An open, log staircase leads to the upper level and an open loft that serves as an office.  Surrounded by barked timbers and overlooking the great room, dining area and kitchen the loft is reminiscent of a tree house.  From the loft office the spacious kitchen is as impressive as from the main level.  Two steps up from the living area, it features a large, central work island, pantry, bountiful cupboards and a built-in hutch.  Beyond the loft the upper level includes two bedrooms and a bath plus a huge “bunkroom” to house visiting grandchildren or other guests.  The bunkroom has its own bath and can be accessed from downstairs by a separate staircase.  Consistent with the tree and log construction the bunkroom has a steal beam, running its length, concealed in two half logs.  Two double French doors open onto a wooden deck. 

Heat is provided with a forced air, natural gas furnace located in the crawl space. Interior doors and window trim are of alder wood.  Large Sierra Pacific wood windows with aluminum-clad exteriors, draw in the mountain views to make them part of the décor.  The home’s essence is one of casual luxury that is comfortable and livable.  The log and rock exterior which also includes weathered barn wood, plus a wood shingle roof, integrate the structure with its surroundings.  The home’s natural style which Estes Park architect Thomas Beck refers to as “a log version of Mountain Craftsman,” fits effortlessly into its serene, Rocky Mountain setting to afford the Shultz’s the lifestyle they were seeking in their mountain dream home.

"Can You Design a Cabin For Us Up in Rocky Mountain National Park?"

The Six Cabin Project
When attorney Steve Six first called Thomas W. Beck, the scope of his project and dream took quite a while to explain.  Mr. Six had bought an old 'rustic' cabin high up in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  Private land ownership on this site was 'grand-fathered' into the original perimeter for RMNP.  All surrounding land belongs to the Federal Government and access to the Six Cabin is over government roads.  Further - the cabin sits above 8,000 ft. elevation.  Mr. Six wanted architectural services to virtually tear down the old cabin, re-engineer the water supply and septic facilities and build a new 'generations' cabin home that would have to be approved by the Park Service.  A 'generations home' is one that is designed to remain in service to the family for the next several generations.

The result is a wonderful, elegant but site-compatible cabin with a 'million dollar view' overlooking the Moraine Park area inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

The main level design features an open living room, dining room and kitchen area.  This is highlighted by 'floor-to-ceiling' windows that face south overlooking the Moraine valley.  A large redwood deck allows for peace and quiet and time to restore the soul during almost all seasons.  A north-facing, peaceful 15.5 X 12.5 master bedroom completes the main level.  The lower level provides two additional bedrooms, a study, a TV room and a large laundry room.

You may never have the chance to build (or rebuild) a 'generations' home above 8,000 foot elevation inside a National Park - but if you want help to design a build your dream, something that nourishes your needs for quiet and beauty - why not consider the award-winning architecture and services provided by T. W. Beck Architects, pc.?

"Views and a Vision Come Together in an Extraordinary Mountain Home: The Cofas Residence"

Charles and Olga Cofas had traveled the world during Charles' career as a mechanical engineer.  When retirement was on the horizon they already knew that Estes Park, Colorado, would be their destination when they left Houston, Texas.  They selected Ray Duggan as builder for the dream home they had been designing and through Ray, were introduced to architect Thomas Beck.  They came to T.W. Beck Architects with a vision which had evolved into a carefully thought-out floor plan, already drawn to scale.  But they were seeking assistance with the finishing details of that plan and architectural expertise in fitting the home into its mountain setting -- a steep, 1.4-acre lot at an elevation of 8200 feet in Windcliff Estates.  The steep terrain would be an interesting challenge but the payoff was the magnificent view of the Continental Divide.  There was no question -- the view was paramount and the point around which the completion of design and construction would pivot.

That panorama is framed by a wall of triple-pane Pella windows, with interior blinds, that spans the expansive great room -- which includes a dining area that seats twelve.  The kitchen is situated just behind the dining area, so that its occupants are treated to the same great scenery.  But with marble countertops and dark-stained, Rockglen cabinets by Wood Harbor, it is beautiful in its own right.  Stainless steel appliances, a bar and large walk-in pantry complete the culinary paradise that would delight any chef. 

The great room's glass wall includes Pella sliding doors which provide access to more than 600 square feet of deck.  To maximize the view, the windows continue to the peak of the great room's cathedral ceiling, which is supported with a system of Gluelam beams, stained to match the woodwork and kitchen cabinets.  A porcelain tile floor, which mimics slate, is toasty warm with efficient, in-floor heat -- one of eight individually controlled, climate zones within the home.  Completing the great room is a marble-topped wet bar and a double-sided, full masonry fireplace.  Spacious and elegant yet with an ambiance that is warm, welcoming and genuine, the living area is perfect for any type of entertaining -- from a large casual party to an intimate, sophisticated dinner with special friends, to a cozy evening shared with family.  

The fireplace opens, opposite the great room, to the master suite -- which shares the same views as those from the great room.  The master includes a huge walk-in closet and spacious bath with a dual-sink, marble vanity and large shower with beautifully patterned tile.  The window wall concept is repeated in the master bath and a luxurious tub is placed next to the windows for views to rejuvenate the spirit while a bubble bath relaxes the body. 

Designed for main floor living, the upper level also includes a large dual-purpose room which serves as an office and guest room, as well as a large three-quarter bath.  A laundry room just off the kitchen leads to a heated, 858 square-foot, three-car garage which also houses a shop area. 

The lower level includes three bedrooms, one full and one three-quarter bath, plus a large multi-purpose room that is used as an exercise, game and sewing room.  Just off this room is a storage area that measures approximately 12 x 18 feet.  The lower level is designed so that all four rooms front on the "view" side of the home.  The three lower-level bedrooms each have separate outside access to patios -- for even more enjoyment of this mountain retreat.          

Not only beautiful, but practical as well, the Cofas' home is surprisingly low-maintenance.  The exterior of the home is colored stucco so that painting is not necessary, as is the case with the pre-finished, seamless gutters.  The roof is topped with concrete shingles that, until close inspection, look like wood shingles.  And garage doors, which also look like wood, are vinyl.  The decking material is Trex -- a wood and plastic fiber composite product which is not only durable but environmentally friendly in that the plastic and wood fibers are sourced from reclaimed or recycled wood materials including sawdust from woodworking operations and recycled plastic.

The destination certainly justifies the drive up a couple of miles of winding mountain road.  The Cofas' extraordinary home will always provide a front-row, all-season venue for center-stage enjoyment of the drama of the ever-changing high country and its weather.

Charles and Olga Cofas' vision was realized and they moved into their extraordinary home in November 2006.  They say they enjoy it so much that they literally don't leave often.  They remarked that it is solid, with no flexing even in high winds.  They share that the year-long process of making their dream a reality went smoothly, that Thomas was available whenever he was needed, and that "the experience was painless -- we're happy clients."

"Transformation: The Seckman Residence"

Larry and Cindy Seckman inherited a home in Estes Park's Grand Estates development -- an area in which almost every home is treated to truly grand views. The Seckmans decided they'd use the home as a vacation getaway until retirement, when they'll move from the San Diego, California area to Estes Park. Built in 1976 the home was on a generously sized lot of approximately 1.4 acres and was a roomy 2600 square feet, but it was truly dated -- with avocado green paneling and green shag carpet. Two bedrooms, a small bath, kitchen and living room were on the main floor while a finished workroom, small bath, and laundry area shared the lower level with a two-car garage.

Larry and Cindy came to T.W. Beck Architects with visions of a master suite, updated kitchen and an exterior for their home that would complement its beautiful mountain setting. In order to capitalize on the views, Thomas Beck suggested adding an upper floor, rather than expanding outward.

Off came the roof and an 897 square foot, magnificent, private master suite was born. Tucked up into the vaulted ceiling of the new great room below and overlooking the main level living area, an elevated walkway runs the length of the addition which spans the house end to end. A large master bedroom occupies one end of the new space while on the other is an office/study/den including built-in shelves, computer work station and a sitting area with a gas fireplace as its focal point. The study is open to the living area below while the master bedroom has a half-wall with glass above which also provides an overlook to the great room. Between these rooms, and accessible from either, is a beautiful master bath and huge walk-in closet. Two-story dormers were added to the exterior at the level of the new addition to bring the views in to both the master bedroom and the study.

The main level was reconfigured as the kitchen moved where one bedroom had been, freeing up space for a dining room. The added dormers provide natural sectioning to create separate, cozy living room and family room areas while maintaining the spacious openness of a true great room. Converting the old wood-burning fireplace to gas allowed the beautiful, existing rock chimney to remain, despite the added height of the house. The main level guest bedroom now has a private bath and an additional powder room was added just off the dining area. On the lower, garage level the bathroom and laundry room were enlarged substantially and updated.

New Pella windows were selected for the addition and replaced all existing windows as well. The old, gray siding exterior was replaced with new, stained cedar and the home has a new composite roof. The deck, made of recycled plastic and wood 'Rhinodeck' planks, now wraps around three sides of the home for the utmost enjoyment of the views and the outdoors.

The contractor for this 'extreme makeover' was Ray Duggan. Truly transformed, this home that was dated and outdated is now a contemporary, mountain beauty which the Seckmans look forward to enjoying for many years